Learn how to trade old goods for new-to-you items you really want

Save with Swapping

Save with Swapping

Think you can’t afford a vacation or a new car this year? You’re not alone. These days, everyone’s on a budget; but savvy shoppers know how to get what they want—often without spending a dime. Swapping is the new shopping, says Anneli Rufus, co-author of the book The Scavengers' Manifesto. “Things acquired for free—and a swap is essentially a free-for-all—are even more appealing when money is tight,” she says. The best part: You don’t need to look any further than online, where you can find dozens of swapping sites that let you trade items for no charge or a small fee. Whether you’re in need of clothing, books or a quick getaway, check out the following sites to save a bundle.

Go on your dream vacation

Go on your dream vacation

Vacations are usually the first luxuries to go when funds are low. In fact, 55% of respondents to a recent Marist College poll said they did not book a summer trip in 2011, as compared to 52% in 2010. But who says pricey hotels are your only accommodation option? To save big, swap homes with a fellow traveler.

HomeExchange.com has 40,000-plus listings of houses, apartments and even house boats from all around the world. You simply agree with a family from a different area to swap homes during your holiday, and absolutely no money changes hands. There is a cost to join the site, however. Your first three months of membership on the site are free; then, it’s $9.95 per month, and you can swap to your heart’s content.

Karen Smuland of Bend, OR, has been using the site for four years, and her family has enjoyed trips to Alaska, Utah and Seattle. “We love to cook and have some separation from our kids—and they want space, too! Hotels don’t offer that,” she says. As for any reservations about having strangers stay in her home, Smuland explains, “The trust issue is mutual, so there’s nothing to worry about.” This should also ease your mind: “After hundreds of thousands of exchanges, we have never had a report of a theft by a home exchanger,” says Keghan Hurst, the site’s director of marketing. As for the details of a swap, the site offers sample agreements that members can use to work out everything from how to exchange keys, the duration of the visit and how to deal with any damage that may occur during the visit.